I’ve tried to ignore the impending chaos and panic that Christmas inevitably brings. Yesterday my neighbours decorated the outside of their house with lights. I am groaning – it’s too early! It will however, shortly be December so I wanted to propose an alternative to Christmas cards. I won’t be trying to remember who lives at what number, sending cards from ‘Number 2’. I won’t … Continue reading An alternative to Christmas Cards
Today would have been mum’s birthday- the horrendous months of May and June seem a lifetime away and life has moved on. It hasn’t moved on for dad who is struggling without her. I still think ‘I’ll just ring mum’ then remember I can’t. Ive just had a text from my cousin saying ‘thinking of you’ – it’s these little things that matter. We all … Continue reading Remembering
Yesterday was nerve wracking. My daughter in law was in labour and we were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Tommy’s sister Layla Jane We distracted ourselves at the farm, met reindeers, had coffee and checked my phone every few minutes. Layla was born at 10.20 last night – Tommy was ready with his big brother t shirt and his present for Layla this morning. We … Continue reading Happy tears
Six months ago I was invited into the Dearne ALC to talk about my experiences at Kakuma refugee camp.I was hoping that they would support us in our bid to raise money for classrooms there. We had witnessed appalling conditions and taught classes of over 200 children. I’ll be honest though I didn’t Know how much these pupils could raise as I knew it … Continue reading Making a difference
The 14th Nov has been ringed in my calendar for months! The Big i Foundation Ball and the launch of ‘There is another way’. Sleepless nights, spreadsheets, food allergies, seating plans, last minute changes, table decorations, auction prizes, invoices, daily e mails from Ian, Nina and Crista (all mixed in with the imminent arrival of my granddaughter) meant my stress levels were high. But do … Continue reading There is another way
None of us know what the future holds. None of us know how our lives will pan out. I’m sure there are times when you look back and say ‘if only’. Mum’s dementia caused lots of ‘if only’ moments. ‘If only she could have told us how she felt, if she understood why we had to have her placed into care, if she forgave us, if … Continue reading Write a letter to your loved ones
I’m currently working on photographs for a new book for Juliet Robertson @Creativestar (Juliet’s blog is here.) She introduced me to the idea of Hapa Zome and I have written about this in an earlier blog post here. However, having spent weeks working on different materials, different plants and leaves – even different hammers! I found myself with a pile of dyed fabric and not a lot of … Continue reading Teach yourself a new skill – the next steps
Wabi-sabi (侘寂?) represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection (Wikipedia) I love the idea that there is beauty in imperfection and in things that are transient. I have long been a lover of decaying flowers or nature as the textures and lines are often stunning. My garden at the minute looks, on first glance, to be … Continue reading Slow down
I often find myself going through phases with my photography. Sometimes I never take my macro lens off, other times I convert everything to black and white. I’m always highly critical of my work and feel that nothing is good enough. How many of us live with ‘imposter syndrome’ and fear that we will be ‘found out’ as simply not being good enough. I’m learning … Continue reading Going through phases
Two years in the making, lots of laughs, disasters, tears (mainly from caretakers when Cathy broke something) – chaotic days of den building, pom pom making, cardboard cutting have resulted in our book finally being almost ready to send to print. It has a smart new cover, an ISBN number and is available to pre order on Amazon HERE We have some lovely pre reviews on … Continue reading Den Building
Jane Hewitt 